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We love the 'After' photos, but the 'Middle' is where the hard work happens. We take pride in the slow, steady prep work that most people never see—because we believe your furniture deserves a finish that’s built to last, not just look good for a day.

Contemporary Neoclassical Console 

Restored high-contrast geometric marquetry. Repolished espresso-stained beech and maple burl inlays to a mirror finish.

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Edwardian Quarter-Sawn Oak Cabinet

Stripped and refinished to highlight the natural "Tiger Oak" grain. Deep-cleaned ornate brass scroll hinges and restored relief-carved floral gallery.

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Masking Phase: Postmodern Tubular Iron Barstools (c. 1990)

Refinishing mixed-media pieces requires a bit of extra care, and this masking phase is where our attention to detail really shines. We take the time to meticulously wrap and protect every inch of the original upholstery with surgical precision. It’s a patient process, but it’s the only way to guarantee a factory-smooth finish on the metal frames while keeping the fabric absolutely pristine. We believe the steps you don't see are just as important as the ones you do.

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19th-Century Tiger Oak Serpentine Secretary

We performed a full-surface restoration on this vintage slant-front desk with a focus on the deep, rhythmic grain of the quartersawn oak. By meticulously cleaning the original ornate brass escutcheons and applying a rich, multi-layered finish, we’ve ensured that the serpentine curves and hand-carved details are once again the focal point of the piece.

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Traditional Mahogany China Cabinet with Swan-Neck Pediment

This full restoration of a mahogany hutch features a striking swan-neck (broken arch) pediment accented by a central finial—a hallmark of 18th-century inspired cabinetry. We focused on reviving the deep, lustrous mahogany tones while meticulously preserving the geometric fretwork on the glazed doors. The result is a stately, timeless piece that balances architectural height with the delicate craftsmanship of fine-furniture glazing.

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1920s Storybook Tudor Entry Door (Solid Pine & Wrought Iron)

Exterior wood restoration requires a balance of aesthetics and weather-resistance. This project involved hand-stripping and refinishing a large-scale arched entry door to highlight its unique 'scorched' grain appearance. Special attention was paid to the integration of the decorative iron straps and the speakeasy-style window grate. The final result is a high-contrast, durable finish that respects the original 1920s Storybook aesthetic while providing modern protection.

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Professional Cabinet Refinishing & Color Conversion

A precise color conversion on traditional raised-panel cabinetry. Our focus for this project was on a clean, architectural transformation, moving the existing woodwork to a bright, satin-white finish. The process required meticulous surface preparation to ensure a factory-smooth bond and a durable, long-lasting topcoat. By preserving the crisp lines of the arched molding and updating the hardware, we’ve given these high-quality frames a modern second life while maintaining the structural integrity of the original cabinetry.

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Victorian "Dome-Top" Steamer Trunk (c. 1890)

Full restoration of oak slats and embossed tin. Polished original brass hardware and stabilized the curved wood frame.

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The Raw Wood Phase: Mid-20th Century French Provincial Buffet

This stage represents the most critical phase of the restoration, and it’s truly what sets our work apart. We spend a significant amount of time hand-stripping and sanding to reveal and preserve those delicate carvings and original edges. It’s a slow, steady process, but it’s the only way to ensure the details stay crisp and clean before we move on to the new finish.

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Historic Quarter-Sawn Oak Entry Doors (c. 1910)

Architectural restoration of a double-entry system. Stripped years of weathered varnish and applied a UV-resistant, marine-grade finish. Polished original brass mortise hardware and mail slot.

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Early 20th-Century Craftsman Douglas Fir Built-ins

Restoring architectural built-ins requires a deep respect for the original home’s character. This expansive Craftsman-style unit features a combination of recessed-panel cabinetry and a classic glass-front hutch. Our work focused on reviving the warm, honey-toned finish of the vertical-grain fir and ensuring the original hand-forged hardware remained the focal point. This piece isn't just storage; it’s a preserved slice of architectural history.

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Hepplewhite-Style Mahogany Serpentine Sideboard

This Hepplewhite-inspired sideboard is defined by its dramatic serpentine front and exquisite use of book-matched crotch mahogany veneers. Our restoration focused on highlighting the 'flame' figure of the wood and reviving the delicate boxwood string inlays that frame the drawers and doors. Supported by slender, fluted tapered legs, this piece has been meticulously refinished to a warm, traditional luster that celebrates its refined Federal-era proportions.

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1920s Art Deco Burl Walnut Display Cabinet

This restoration was a masterclass in contrast and geometry, centered on the meticulous preservation of the original glass fretwork. The piece features book-matched burl walnut panels with a dramatic, swirling 'flame' figure. We specialized in the high-contrast aesthetic typical of the Art Deco era: deep, ebonized black lacquer frames set against warm, honey-toned fruitwood inlays. The focal point remains the intricate, hand-restored fretwork over the glass—a delicate architectural detail that defines the Chinoiserie influence of the early 20th century.

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Process Shot: Precision On-Site Refinishing & Shop-Finish Integration for Cabinetry 

A true professional restoration happens both in the shop and in the home. This process shot illustrates our comprehensive approach to cabinet color conversion: while the doors and drawer fronts are processed in a controlled shop environment for a factory-grade finish, the structural frames are meticulously hand-prepped and finished on-site.

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By isolating the cabinetry frames, we ensure a seamless, high-durability bond that matches the shop-finished components perfectly. This 'dual-environment' process allows us to provide a complete kitchen transformation with minimal disruption, resulting in a cohesive, architectural look that feels brand new from the inside out.

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The Back Porch, Ltd.

2740 West 22nd Street, Erie, PA 16506

814-838-4122 

Hours of Operation

Mon-Fri: 8:30am-4:30pm 

Sat: 9:00am-12:00pm 

Sun: Closed

© 2026  THE  BACK PORCH, Ltd. | WEB DESIGN BY SARAH TEMPLE

Proudly serving Erie and surrounding communities since 1981. Every piece of furniture has a story. We will take good care of yours.

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